Less than a year after Interpol bassist Carlos Dengler quit the band, his replacement has followed suit to spend more time with his family. Dave Pajo said he will "genuinely miss" the New York rockers, with whom he toured but did not record. "I am truly grateful for the experience and look forward to enjoying Interpol in the future, as a fan and friend."

Despite the sudden announcement, Interpol insisted there is no acrimony behind Pajo's departure. "We're all friends," they wrote on their website. "It's just an out-of-the-hotel, into-the-home sorta thing ... Dave has decided to step out of the spotlight for a spell." Pajo, who is best known for his work with Slint, has also performed with artists such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Zwan. "I will continue to record and perform music, with bands as well as solo, I just won't be touring as much," the 42-year-old explained.

Pajo's replacement, Brad Truax, has played with Home, Gang Gang Dance and Animal Collective. "Brad is the man," Interpol wrote. "He's got taste and he's got chops." But when he joins Interpol in Hamburg on 3 March, he will also be the band's third bassist in nine months. As with Pajo, Truax is being described as a "touring bassist"; it's not clear who – if anyone – Interpol will ask to play the low notes on future recordings.